Burbank in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Burbank Branch Railroad
By Craig Baker, August 7, 2019
1. Railroad Marker
When early settlers migrated to Southern California in the late 1800s, they saw the future potential of the fertile
valley located twelve miles north of Los Angeles. In 1867, Dr. David Burbank purchased the land, which, in
1911, would become incorporated as the city bearing his name. The area was ideal for farming and ranching,
but it was the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad that would foster the community’s growth. In 1893,
the Burbank Branch railroad line opened, allowing local farmers to easily transport their crops of melons, citrus,
peaches, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables. The line that ran along Chandler Boulevard remained in service
until 1992 when the Chandler Bikeway was constructed. Many hard-working and conscientious people were involved in building and maintaining the railroad. The duty of a trackwalker was to examine the condition of the tracks and to keep them safe for the traveling public. This trackwalker carries a lantern and tools - his gaze watchful and protective. In honor of this period of Burbank history, the sculpture uses a section of original railroad track with metal spikes to hold
By Craig Baker, August 7, 2019
2. Railroad Marker and Statue
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 34° 10.762′ N, 118° 19.475′ W. Marker is in Burbank, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is on Chandler Boulevard west of Mariposa Street, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1305 W Chandler Blvd, Burbank CA 91506, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (approx. 0.6 miles away); Burbank Post Office (approx. 0.9 miles away); Story Hardware (approx. 0.9 miles away); Burbank City Hall (approx. one mile away); Burbank's First City Hall (approx. one mile away); Johnny Carson Park (approx. 1.8 miles away); Portal of the Folded Wings (approx. 1.8 miles away); Sunset Canyon Country Club Gate (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burbank.
By Craig Baker, August 7, 2019
3. Railroad Marker and Trackwalker Statue
By Craig Baker, August 7, 2019
4. Bike Lane near the Marker
Abandoned rails can be seen in the distance.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 145 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 9, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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